Tamil News

FIRST GRADUATIONS

2008-05-11T21:59:00.015-05:00

Above: Jim Waldron speaks as Aruldass translates at the graduation for the single girl’s and single boy’s Bible school in Coimbatore. Both of these schools are supported through the Waldron Mission Fund. The graduation ceremony was held in Ebenezer Hall on the campus of Deva Anbu Illam.

The photo above was taken on April 16 at the first graduation for the Nagapattinam School of Evangelism. All graduates were strangers to the Lord’s church prior to the tsunami of 2004. Of all areas of India, Nagapattinam was the most devastated by the tsunami, and there are few places where our brethren have endured more persecution.

The picture above was taken on April 15 at the Cuddalore graduation, another school started as a result of tsunami relief work. Seven men received certificates showing they had satisfactorily completed one year of Bible training. The director for this school, Thangaraj is second from the left. Kandasami, his assistant, is standing to the far left.

Many attended the first graduation at Kovilpati, pictured above. Our brethren have found this area to be extremely fertile, and many of our graduates have already started new congregations. This school is also one year old and was started as a result of the tsunami. Ten evangelists graduated from this one-year program on April 17.

Brother Santhanaraj, pictured above, made introductory remarks at the first Tirunelveli grad-uation. His situation was unique in that he has been the director for the school while still completing his own Bible education. The Tirunelveli School of Evangelism is a three-year school. These men are working diligently to plant new congregations.

The photo above is the graduation at Trichendur. During the ceremony I choked back tears, remembering some of these graduates, men who were thrown out of their village for obeying the gospel. Along with the preacher training program we have been conducting a literacy program at this school. Many of the fishermen, who want to be evangelists, cannot read or write.

Graduations were conducted at many other of our schools of evangelism, as Jim Waldron and I crisscrossed paths back and forth across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. We are thankful that God has provided us with these schools, tools to build his kingdom. We are also thankful for generous brethren who help to support these mighty works.

Contact Information:
India Missions
Banner Elk church of Christ
PO Box 1413
Banner Elk, NC 28604

ARAKONAM - 120 Congregations in Nine Years

2008-05-11T21:29:00.000-05:00

The Arakonam School of Evangelism was the first school which Banner Elk supported from its beginning in 1999. Brother Stevenson, the director for the school, is a mighty evangelist. When I spoke for the graduation at Arakonam (April 14) I inquired as to the number of congregations within a fifty mInile radius. The brothers agreed that there are approximately 160 congregations of the churches of Christ. Of these, 120 have been started by graduates from the Arakonam school. The Arakonam school is now a three-year program. The lot on which the school exists is only about 50’ X 100’. The building is crowded and in need of serious repairs. We will be looking at plans to improve the facilities in coming months.

BICYCLE CAMPAIGN

2008-05-11T20:50:00.005-05:00

Imagine the excitement in knowing you were going to get to ride a bicycle for eight days, approximately fifteen miles per day, in temperatures that often reach 100 degrees. There are intermittent periods of relief from peddling as you sit cross-legged on dirt floors in people’s homes teaching the Bible. But the work is not without monetary reward. You get paid approximately $3.16 per day, from which you furnish your own food. This will be the life of more than 1,500 of our evangelists from May 17-25.

At Tirunelveli I attended an organizational meeting for the campaign. I was supposedly a motivational speaker. Following me, Santhanaraj took the podium. He preached about winning souls and the evangelists shouted, in unison, the references he used. They are “chomping at the bits” to get God’s word to the lost souls of India.

Campaigns of this nature seem expensive at first glance. Cathy transferred $33,000 from the mission account here to cover the expenses. Generally, more than a thousand souls are won during these cycle campaigns. Considering the cost-per-soul will be in the neighborhood of $33, and taking into account that each soul is worth more than the value of the entire world, it is quite a bargain. Pray that God will receive all the glory for the “increase” which he will provide (I Cor. 3:6).

Deva Anbu Illam News

2008-05-11T20:43:00.003-05:00

The population of the children’s home continues to grow. Six more children are on their way, making the total 102. Funds for this work are furnished through the Banner Elk church of Christ and all money for the care of these children is kept completely separate from schools of preaching, campaigns and other works. Because Cathy and I are supported through our own business, no administrative salaries are taken. Money given for these children goes strictly for their care.

During this last trip to India, I spent a lot of time in planning meetings with our staff. We are currently seeking another couple to assist our cooks. Devanessan, our main cook, begins work at 4:00 each day. He works until 9:30 every night, only getting time, sometimes, for a nap in the afternoon. He also works seven days per week. His salary is $66 per month. His wife makes $33. Pray that we will make a good choice in our addition to the cooking staff.

Vacation Bible School will be held for our children at the Dindigul Bible Institute. The children will travel four hours on private buses and will live on the campus for three days. On their return, they will visit a mountain resort for a day. Every summer, when the children are out of school, we try to plan some type of outing. They are very excited about this little vacation.
The location for two new cottages was planned. We anticipate the arrival of fifteen children during May/June. Additionally, a dormitory is being planned for all boys fourteen years old and older. Boys are moved from gender-mixed cottages as they mature.

A new motorcycle is being purchased for the children’s home. The old one is completely worn out. Our staff uses this vehicle to purchase, carry children to the doctor and all other necessary errand running. The cost of the new motorcycle will be around $1,000.

WIDOWED BY A COBRA

2008-05-11T16:31:00.001-05:00

It was a day of celebration, the first graduation ever held in the Tirunelveli School of Evangelism. In the middle of elation I met a thirty-five year old lady and her three daughters, aged 13, 11 and 9. The sister’s name is Indira, and the stress on her thin face and her uncontrolled wiry hair were evidence that she has been through much more than any of us could begin to imagine.

I asked about her husband and the Indian brothers explained. Madasami, a hard worker, a wood cutter by trade, was asleep with his family on the dirt floor of their mud house on August 18, 2005. He awoke his wife in the middle of the night to say he felt a burning sensation in his chest and was having a lot of pain. They sought relief in some available household medications and finally found transportation to the local government hospital. Immediately, the doctor discovered two small marks inside of his thigh, the sign of a cobra bite. Within ten minutes, this husband/father was dead. With no way to close windows or seal cracks around the tile roofs, cobras often come inside of Indian homes during the night.

Indira now struggles to feed her three daughters, as well as herself, on daily farm wages that average $1.35. The family’s food costs per day average $1.20. Their diet is mostly just rice, and they have meat or gravy on special but rare occasions. She has limited electricity in her house and her electricity bill comes every two months (usually $1.10). This brave woman is pressed down by others in her village. The community will not allow her to seek work outside where she might find a better job. Until her baptism in January 2008, she was a Hindu. Now the idolaters fight to prevent her from attending worship services with the saints and accuse her of seeking material possessions from the church. The relationship between an Indian widow and her community is difficult for Americans to comprehend. These people are her family and she feels very insecure to go against them.

Parenthetically, some may recall during the early days of the tsunami how one Bible student, Inbaraj, wanted to be a preacher but was not allowed because he had not been baptized for more than two years. This zealous brother was not hindered by my denial but went to Kovil Pati and started teaching and baptizing souls, establishing congregations there. Inbaraj, now a third year Bible student in our school in Tirunelveli, taught the gospel to this widow, Indirani. He is a mighty evangelist.

I am thankful to God for his loving kindness for these widows. Our Father knows her heartache. He knows her fears and hard labor. Now, through his loving church, eight goats are being purchased for Indira. She will receive $15 per month with which to feed her goats until they are reproducing and making a living for her and her three daughters. Before leaving, I sent $35 to Indira from the mission funds just to give her a little breathing room.

As for Indira’s attitude, she had a fresh smile on her face as she explained that she now says to the Hindus that her soul is finally satisfied now that she is a Christian. Welcome Indira! Welcome to God’s glorious and eternal kingdom. Welcome to our hope and thanksgiving for a loving Father who would give the life of his Son for you.

TODAY I MET PAPAI

2008-01-11T09:13:00.000-05:00

Don’s Diary, January 9, 2008

It was another day on the campaign trail in India. I boarded the hired van along with ten preacher training students from the Nagapattinam School of Preaching. This city was the most devastated of all tsunami areas in India. In their soul-winning work, the students are now venturing out into even more remote areas. We traveled about twenty miles, first by two-lane, pot-hole-filled highways, then by one-lane dirt roads. The vibrant green rice fields lined both sides of the road and stretched as far as the eye could see. Workers carried bundles of grain on their heads, making their way to crudely fabricated thrashing machines parked in the middle of the road. Often, we had to wait patiently as the thrasher was halted, coupled it to a tractor, and cleared from our pathway. The twenty-mile journey took about 1 hour and the van eventually reached a point where it became necessary for us to get out and walk.

Soon we all separated, two-by-two (or more) and headed in different directions towards different villages. We gave out tracts to those who could read, walking carefully, chasing chickens and baby goats from beneath our feet. Our eyes were on constant alert for numerous piles of cow dung. These people are very poor by my standards. They live in mud huts with a roof crudely crafted from palm tree leaves. Every house is fenced by a hedge of carefully woven thorns. Even the gates are made of thorn bushes. Standing by the door of one house was a frail older lady who would soon be my sister in Christ. Her name was Papai.

One of the brothers had passed this way earlier. He explained that this woman wanted to be baptized. We were surprised that she would even know of such a need. Who was teaching her, I asked? The brothers did not know. As we opened her gate, Papai motioned for us to come into her house. As is customary, I removed my boots and me and Santhanaraj entered the dark room. We sat on the only piece of furniture, a bed made of wood; no mattress of course. Papai sat cross-legged in front of us on a mat on the floor.

After exchanging the usual greetings and small talk and I quickly turned our conversation to spiritual things. “Why do you want to be baptized?” I asked. I misunderstood Papai’s reply as she explained that she had been sick. Observing her little fifty-pound body I had no doubt about her physical condition. I inquired to know her age but she did not know. “I am between fifty and sixty,” she said. I explained to Papai that physical sickness was not the purpose for baptism but that such removed our sins, bringing us into contact with Jesus’ blood. Preparing to exit I told her that our brothers would continue to study with her. “Where are you going?” she asked. “I know that baptism is for the remission of sins. I have been waiting.” Pointing, she explained that there was one pond on this side and another on that side. “Where do you want to baptize me? My clothing is ready and I have been waiting.”

Santhanaraj questioned her for some time and then turned to explain to me that she already knew very well what the scriptures taught. We looked at one another, puzzled and amazed. Papai was ready to obey the Lord and I asked the brothers to take care of baptizing her. As I knelt on her floor to lead prayer she stopped me. “What are you doing?” she asked. “I said I want to be baptized. We can pray afterwards!” We prayed anyway, and the last I saw of Papai she was on her way to the pond with my brothers. I couldn’t help but think of Lydia (Acts 16) and the beginning of the church in Philippi. This sweet soul reminded me of the persistence of Bartimaeus in Mark 10. This is the beginning of a new work among these villages.

We studied house to house and preached publicly when given the opportunity. The sun was setting as we gathered in the second to the last village where we worked on this day. About fifty souls sat on the dirt road waiting to hear the gospel. I walked away with my camera to get a more permanent image of the moment. I stopped to soak it all in. Standing before the crowd were ten evangelists, leading singing, praying and reading scriptures. I remembered back, three years earlier. Jim Waldron and I came here in the chaos of the tsunami aftermath. I wondered where each of these men was on that exact day, three years ago. Nagapattinam was filled with darkness and we had no brethren in this place. Hope was so distant for these coastal people. Just a little more than one week ago more than three hundred saints gathered on the night of New Year’s Eve to celebrate. There is light. There is joy. There is hope. A smile crossed my face and my heart swelled with emotion as I whispered in my mind, “God is so great!”

New Schools in Tsunami Areas (muna)

2007-07-05T19:49:00.000-05:00

Dear Fellow Worker,

The 4th of June, 2007 may have been the most exciting day, to date, in the India tsunami work. After more than two years of preparation, classes started in four new schools of preaching in the tsunami areas. Almost all of these men were baptized during the relief work and they have been working zealously. God has blessed their efforts and we now have 71 new congregations of the churches of Christ, approximately 2,500 baptized, in these previously devastated areas. These new preacher trainees have proven their faith through difficult persecutions. Because of their decision to follow Christ some have been put out of their houses. Others have lost jobs and material goods. However, they have persisted in teaching the gospel to their friends and family members, with great results. We can only imagine what these evangelists will be like after receiving more formal Bible training. With God’s blessing, we anticipate an explosion of souls saved in the coming year.

The financial responsibility for these seventy tsunami Bible students is costing $3,500 monthly ($50 per student). These new obligations are in addition to the other seven schools already funded through Banner Elk. We are thrilled at this opportunity that God has afforded all of us. Now we are requesting continued help for that which we have started together.

Would you, or your congregation, be willing to take on the support for two of these preacher training students for one year ($100)? Our men are trained in a profession in order that they can be self-supported in their ministry after graduation. Our teachers love the truth and these men are taught strictly according to the “oracles” of God (I Peter 4:11). If you have any questions about this mission work in Tamil Nadu, India, our soundness, what we teach or our dedication, please call me (828-963-5172).

Your Brother,

Don Iverson

P.S. If helpful, my e-mail address is doniverson@juno.com

CHILDREN’S HOME NEWS

2007-05-11T08:52:00.000-05:00

The two boys pictured to the left are brothers, Anil and Sanil. Anil is eight and Sanil is nine. These fine young men were two of five who came while Cathy and I were there in April. Anil is physically handicapped and he loves being at Deva Anbu Illam. Though he may have been treated badly in the world, at DAI he is loved by all. I asked him his favorite part of the program and he pointed to the playground. I asked him if he had a favorite friend at DAI yet and he answered, “Yes, the white boy.” I was surprised by his answer, since there are no white children at DAI, and asked him to point out his good friend. One of our boys whose skin is a little lighter than most came and stood beside of Anil. Anil did not know his name. He just called him “white boy.”

Another funny incident happened one night as I walked to Ebenezer Hall to observe the children watching their Saturday night movie. We had purchased six new movies and carried them in our luggage. They were watching “Casper” but it had no sound, only subscripts. I didn’t understand but did not interrupt the movie to question. The next day I asked Stan why the children were watching the movie without sound. “Oh,” he explained, “the children told me that brother Don brought us a deaf movie!” Further investigation revealed that someone had accidentally pressed the “closed caption” button on the remote.”

SEWING CLASSES are part of the training our older children receive. These girls are being taught in our new vocational building. Joy Vasuchi, one of our house mothers, is one of the teachers. The boys are also trained in tailoring and on this particular day they were in the other room learning how to cut patterns. BELOW: The construction of the new library is coming along well. This will be a place to also train our children in computer skills.

Four new cottages are currently under construction. Hopefully, they will be completed in June. We expect many more children during the month of May and we are currently seeking additional house mothers. Of everything at DAI, the work with which we are the most pleased is the Bible program. Our children will be some of the greatest evangelists in all of India. Please continue to pray for our kids.

GRADUATION DAY

2007-05-11T08:45:00.000-05:00

From Don's Diary, April 14, 2007

Today we attended the graduation at Erode. Twenty-five men have been training here for the past year. Jeganathan, the principal/teacher first stood to greet the crowd of 700 people. He then proceeded to introduce his students one by one. Many of their accomplishments for the Lord were remarkable and Jeganathan was obviously very proud of this batch of newly trained evangelists. I spoke about the precious feet of the evangelist (Rom. 10:15). We train these men to be self supported soul-winners, not just preachers. I spoke about Isaiah and his willingness to serve, “…here am I, send me” (Is. 6:8). The nods of the student’s heads showed they were stirred by the words of the prophet.

The graduation programs are for Tamil speaking people and with the exception of Cathy and me, everyone comprehends. Therefore I was a little disappointed when one student came to the microphone and started speaking in English. My disappointment soon turned to appreciation. Jayapal was the student’s name and the fire in his bones was obvious. He referred to a comment I had made about the jovial nature of Jeganathan, the principal, and then went on to say I should never mistake his comical nature for insincerity. “As students we expected yesterday in our class to be an easy day. After all, graduation was today. But Jeganathan was just as disciplined and strict as ever.” Then, to my amazement, Jayapal turned and looked directly at me. The brothers tried to get him to turn forward and speak into the microphone, but he continued to look at me. “We have been told by our teacher that it requires 30,000 rupees ($660) to train each of us. We want to assure you,” he said with strong emphasis, “that the Lord’s money will not be wasted.” I thought about our American brethren, many of which are sacrificing to support this work. I thought of all of the widows and about great men like Bobby Hiland (along with his Carolyn) and their love for this work. Bobby lost his life last month to cancer. There are so many faithful American brethren who love these students and I wished they could have also been there for that moment.

Jayapal explained that in the beginning he did not want to come to the school but finally yielded to the very persistent evangelist who preaches in his congregation. After the service I sought out Jayapal. I shook his hand and thanked him. “By the way,” he said, “here is my preacher.” Standing before me was Babu, a former student in my personal evangelism classes at Dindigul. Babu had been a drunkard prior to his conversion. Now he is a beacon for Christ (Matt. 5:14). He preaches the gospel and works as a truck driver to support his family and his ministry. I am thankful to God for the privilege of working alongside mighty men like Jeganathan, Jayapal and Babu.

EVANGELIST GRADUATIONS

2007-05-11T08:44:00.000-05:00

Cathy and I just returned to our North Carolina home last night. Over the past month we attended and I spoke for graduations at eleven of our Bible training schools. It is exciting to send men into the fields “white unto harvest” (John 4:35). Often, as I sat waiting for my time to speak, I would look at the graduating men thinking about all of the new congregations of the Lord’s church that will be established. I explained to the students that we have not trained them to simply be “preachers” but evangelists. As such we expect for their pants to stay wet with the waters of ponds and tanks, baptizing many souls into Christ. God loves the precious souls of men much more than we can comprehend. He is surely pleased with seeing these trained men as they go forth to re-unite India with their Father (Lk. 15:20).

Our first stop was one of the latest schools, started in 2006, the School of Evangelism at Trivandrum. Cathy and I conducted two-day seminars at the school. I taught the men about evangelism. Cathy taught the ladies, mostly wives of preacher students. This is the school where we dismissed the principal in January for dishonesty. The seminars were an encouragement to the Trivandrum brothers, who had baptized sixteen new souls into Christ just two weeks before we arrived, and added seven more souls while we were there. The Trivandrum evangelists give glory to God for the new growth, remarking that God is blessing the Trivandrum work because we strive to do everything honestly and according to God’s will. After finishing that program on Tuesday, April 10, we moved south to Kanniyakumari to start the first of the graduations on Wednesday, April 11. The graduation circuit finished with the last program at the Polarai school on April 27.

TSUNAMI, PHASE II – DISASTER TO VICTORY

2007-05-09T11:33:00.001-05:00

Routinely, I shake my head in disbelief at the great things God has accomplished in the tsunami areas. The last poll revealed that 71 new congregations have been established in or around the devastated region since that catastrophic day, December 26, 2004. We have helped more than twenty-five thousand families with relief items, but from the beginning our main goal was the saving of men’s souls. Part of the plan, to teach every soul in every seacoast village, was the establishment of schools of evangelism. Part of the funds for training evangelists in these areas were set aside even while relief work was continuing.

Many victims who were baptized in the beginning of the tsunami work have now matured to the point of qualifying to enter one of the new schools. These brethren are strong because they have been studying their Bibles, but also, they have been spiritually tempered by their suffering and persecution. While I was there in April they began appearing for their interviews and entrance examinations. I was thrilled to receive news that most scored in the top ten percent. We have been praying and working for two years to get to this moment and by the grace of God, 126 men in these coastal areas will begin their training as evangelists on June 4. The monthly support needed for each man while he is training will be $60.

Lord willing, seven schools of evangelism will be operating to serve these coastal people (450 miles of coastline) beginning next month. One of these, the Kanniyakumari school, has been in existence for seven years. Two schools, Tirunelveli and Trivandrum were added last year. Four new schools will open in June: Trichendur, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore and Kovilpati. Of students who have passed their written and oral interviews to sit for the selection classes in one-year schools, 21 have been chosen at Kovilpati, 12 at Cuddalore, 12 at Nagapattinam, 32 at Trichendur, 16 at Trivandrum and 33 at Kanniyakumari. That makes a total of 126 new evangelists! Additionally, 35 men will be continuing in the second-year program at Tirunelveli and 28 continuing at Trivandrum.

God is great! Only he could turn such a catastropic disaster into such a mighty victory.

Don Iverson (E-mail: doniverson at juno.com)

Update on Jeba

2007-03-19T20:53:00.000-05:00

Below is a letter I received today from Santhanaraj with the latest on
Jeba's situation.

Thank you for so many letters of encouragement that have been sent to
brother Jeba. This man and his wife are mighty workers in God's kingdom.
They have been Christians for less than two years. I have just arranged
for funds from the church to be used for his bail and to pay his
attorney. Lord willing, I will see him in two weeks. He remains faithful
in the midst of beatings and threats against his life. Please continue to
pray for him.

Don Iverson

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Brother (Don),

It was good to talk to you this evening. I didn't have any clear information about Bro. Jeba when you called in the morning. Because, when Bro. Jeba talked to me first, he was panicked and couldn't give clear information regarding the incident. But, this morning he could talk to me in detail. According to his statement the whole thing started when the village committee (all of them Roman Catholics) ordered all of the villagers to give Rs 10000 ($220) for the renovation work of the Roman Catholic Church building.

Even though Jeba doesn't live in the village, they have asked him also to give the money as he belong to that village and his Taxi is getting offers from that village only. But, Jeba didn't give any money. Then they threatened him that he won't be allowed to enter into the village. In the mean time the local priest came to Jeba and told him that if he remove the thatched hut (where the church has been gathering) and leave his faith, he will be given a new house built for the tsunami affected people and many more favors. Even after that our brother didn't agree with them.

At this time, the village committee has asked the fishermen to do fishing within a certain distance from the shore. Bro. Jeba's younger brothers, who are living in that village, have gone beyond that distance with some other fishermen. So, the village committee called all of them and imposed a fine on them all. They have imposed a fine of Rs 200 ($4.50) for others, while for Jeba's family they've imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 ($450.00). Jeba's family opposed this saying that the village committee is taking revenge on them because of Jeba's faith.

During this discussion, Bro. Jeba went there accidentally without knowing what is happening. On seeing him some one in the village committee shouted, "Here comes the trouble maker who breaks the village rule and causing others to do the same, let us hack him down to death". With the shouting this man started running toward Jeba with a sword in his hands. On seeing this Jeba's younger brother got panicked and in an attempt to save his brother picked up a stone and threw it at the furious man. The stone hit the man in the head. Suddenly, whole village committee was furious and got hold of Jeba and his brothers and has beaten them up and lodged a complaint against Jeba, saying that he was trying to kill the man intentionally, while the man with the head injury got back home after a small first aid.

Because of this complaint Jeba had to flee away with his family so that he has time enough to prove himself innocent before the law. The men in the village committee are constantly calling Jeba on his mobile to tell him that they will hack him down to death even if he gets a bail bond order.

This afternoon I've requested Bro. Michael to go and meet Jeba to give him some money and then asked Bro. Stephen and Eswaran to visit Jeba's place and stay with Sis.Jeba till evening. Jeba was somewhat relieved of his fear now and trying to get an advocate to take him on bail. The local church members have come forward to sign for the bail papers. So, Jeba is now confident that the church is beside him. This is really a good opportunity for our brothers to bear one another's burden.

We have been praying for Jeba and his family, here at DBI along with Bro. Jim and hope that the saints all over the world also will be praying for him after knowing all these things.

With love
Raj

Trading Up

2007-02-12T08:23:00.000-05:00

From Don Iverson’s Diary, January 24, 2007

Crossing an overpass in Nagapattinam, I stared through the window remembering what things were like only two years ago. This city was one of the most devastated by the tsunami of December 26, 2004. The area where I now traveled had been strewn with fishing boats. Just ahead was the location of one partially destroyed house where a baby crib teetered, ready to fall from the second floor. I remembered how an infant’s body had been recovered from that house.

This area was one visited by me and Jim Waldron just days after the December catastrophe. Burned into my memory are the faces of two widows who stood hopelessly staring into space. They had come back to their homes to gather whatever belongings might be found. Their houses were completely gone, and so were their families. The poor widows agreed to let me take a photo and as I snapped the picture someone explained that I was standing on the cemetery, a large gully that had been scooped out where dead bodies were placed. What had been a busy neighborhood was now an open field strewn with litter and debris.

The field looks much different now. Many have returned and built grass huts in which to live. In the early days of tsunami relief we tried to assist this village but were warned by the radical Hindus to stay away. Some of the residents came to us secretly, seeking buckets, soap, clothing, and necessary household items. There were plenty of other places to work and because of the threat, the brothers agreed to return to this area only after some time.

Against the orders of the Hindus, our brothers eventually began having Bible studies in this Oceanside village. Prior to the tsunami it would have been almost impossible to reach these people with the gospel. Now they were open, searching and receptive. Even in the face of Hindu threats, the Indian evangelists baptized forty souls into Christ from this community. These who had suffered for so long were now set free from the ruler of the darkness (Eph. 6:12). We rejoiced at the power of the gospel and for a brief time the churches had rest (Acts 9:31).

The liar (John 8:44) was angry (Rev. 12:12) and paced about (I Pet. 5:8) seeking how he might destroy our new brothers and sisters. Satan cannot fight with truth. He has only corruption and evil in his arsenal. The local officials, unable to stop the spread of the gospel, placed a 10,000 rupee fine ($220) on any of their people caught worshiping with the church of Christ. Even though these are babes in Christ, they have been forced to grow up quickly. Some had not matured beyond the point of hay and stubble, while others, within a matter of a few months, had become gold (I Cor. 3:12). The fire of persecution is the discerner of men’s faith and fear of the Hindus caused fifteen to go back. Though they would not have the money to pay the fine, many would have been kicked from their homes and out-casted from their families and the village.

Oh yes! As far as the other twenty-five, they refused the mark of the beast (Rev. 13:16), and they refuse to miss a worship service with the Nagai church of Christ. “They can take everything,” my new brothers explained, “but I am not giving up Jesus Christ.” In the middle of the afternoon I stood to preach in the Nagai church building which was originally built for tsunami relief. The Nagapattinam School of Preaching will begin in this same facility in June. More than two-hundred souls (ladies on the right and men on the left) sat cross-legged listening to my message. Through tears I preached about the city, a light set on a hill (Matt. 5:14) in this place that two years earlier had seemed the darkest place I had ever known.

Our new brothers are not unhappy. They are some of the most thankful people I have ever seen. I think of their sacrifices and the worldly possessions that Satan has snatched. I think of the friends they have lost and the family members who will no longer speak to them. What are they thinking? They are thinking about that grass hut that they traded for a mansion.

MY SPIRIT IS STIRRED

2007-02-05T13:05:00.000-05:00

From Don Iverson’s Diary, January 29, 2007

Making my three-hundred-mile journey from Coimbatore to Kanniyakumari, the far southern tip of India, I considered the enormity of our task in taking the gospel to the entire world. This is Pongal season, a special time for Hindu people, and many are making their annual pilgrimages to Palani and Madurai to worship their gods of stone. Sacrifice is part of their purpose and none of the wearied travelers wear shoes. The journey (often hundreds of miles) is on pavement heated by the intense Indian sun. The moving mass lines the highway almost constantly. All are wearing their sacred colors of orange, yellow, black or green. They proudly display the red dot on their forehead that says, “I worship Muragam, Vishnu, and the hundreds of other Hindu gods of silver and stone.”

The accumulation of travelers is in the hundreds of thousands, but each is an individual. One man carries his handicapped son on his shoulders. Perhaps he hopes the pouring of his sacrifice of milk or water on his false god in Palani will cause his son to be healed. Scores have bound up their feet with rags wishing for relief from their blisters. Acres of souls gather in various spots in open fields to take sleep for the night, lying on bare ground. I thought of the apostle Paul and the way his “spirit was stirred in him” (Acts 17:16). These who are so zealous for their false gods have no hope. Salvation is not in the name of Vishnu or Muragam, but in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12), and it is our responsibility to tell each and every one (Matthew 28:18-20).

My spirit sunk with depression. I wanted to stop the car, get out and just start preaching the gospel. The Lord will return with a shout (I Thessalonians 4:16) and all of these souls will be asking, “What is this? Who is this? What is happening in the sky?” Though they are sincerely wrong, they are so zealous. Though they walk in ignorance, they enthusiastically sacrifice their feet, hands, and their time. My first emotion is anger. To myself I am thinking, “I can’t believe these foolish people! Who can create a god with their own hands and then bow down to call it their maker? What kind of god has to be dressed and carried? Are you ignorant?” Yes, they are ignorant. They do not know Jehovah God. They did not grow up in families where parents taught them about the Good Shepherd.

God please have mercy and forgive me. Forgive me for my audacity. Please forgive me for all of the times when I was too lazy to prepare food in my nice kitchen and drive it over to my sick neighbor in my air-conditioned car. Please forgive me for all of the times I have murmured and complained because I was serving until late in the night. Please forgive me when I chose my easy chair and an episode of “Law and Order” over a home Bible study in someone’s nice clean living room. Please forgive my aggravation at the times when I felt like the preacher was too long-winded. I am sorry for the motel beds about which I have been unhappy, and for feeling sorry for myself because my car is five years old.

John DeSilva’s Host of Saints

2007-01-21T09:27:00.000-05:00

Entering the new School of Evangelism in Trivandrum, I immediately walked to the front of the classroom. With smiling faces, the students all came to their feet. Asians have a lot of respect for their teachers. It was such a thrill to meet these evangelists. I can’t speak their language, Malayalam, but I know by their smiling eyes and sparkling white teeth that they love the Lord’s church and they love me. Their cause is mine. We are fellow-soldiers with a fire burning in our hearts (Jeremiah 20:9) for the lost souls of India.

Sitting on the front row of the class was a small-framed older man. He was introduced as John DeSilva, and the brothers asked if he could be my translator. In a very quiet and humble way, he came to my side. Carefully, he translated, being sure to capture my expressions and my exact meaning. (At one point, because of my excitement, he had to ask me to slow down.)

After addressing the students, I moved to the office. Brother Krishnan continued to exhort the men while I called them in one by one. This method gives me the opportunity to really know the students. After speaking to four or five, I asked for Brother DeSilva.

My interview began much the same as with all the students. I asked him his age and he told me he was 68. I asked him why he wanted to be a student at Trivandrum School of Evangelism. He explained his desire to be a more effective gospel preacher. I asked him, “How many souls have you taught and baptized into Christ?” He replied, “In my lifetime, I have baptized about 20 people, but last year there were only five.”

Moving forward into his chair, Brother DeSilva looked straight into my eyes and said, “If you don’t mind, please allow me to explain my situation.” Humbly and without emotion, he explained how that 20 years ago, he was in the Catholic Church. The priest told him not to read his Bible. At that time he was working for the Indian Railroad in the accounting department, and one day a Hindu man approached him. Brother DeSilva went on to explain, “This Hindu man asked ‘Can you tell me the first verse of your Bible?’ I was unable to tell him. The Hindu man then quoted Genesis 1:1 and immediately called together other members of the staff and began to make fun of me. ‘He claims to be a Christian, but cannot even quote one verse in the Bible- yet a Hindu has quoted verses to him.’” John then explained, “I made up my mind that from that day onward, no one would ever embarrass me in that manner again!”

My heart ached for this sweet, humble, old man. How could anyone be so cruel?

DeSilva began studying his Bible diligently. The scriptures led him to be baptized and become a member of the church of Christ. A few years later the local preacher where DeSilva was a member turned into an adulterer and moved away. The church was scattering and falling apart. Brother John, though struggling with a lack of Bible knowledge, managed to preach and assist the church in its growth.

“So you see,” Brother DeSilva explained, “this school means so much to me. It is the greatest opportunity for me to gain in my Bible knowledge.”

My mind was racing. I was so thankful for the hateful Hindu man who had challenged John. I sat thinking about my American brethren and their kindness and compassion for the lost souls of India. I wish you could be here to enjoy this special privilege that I am having. I thought, “I wish you could meet this sweet old man.” Now it occurs to me . . . . you will, and with him the host of saints with whom he has humbly shared the gospel.

Soldiers Going To Battle

2007-01-08T09:25:00.000-05:00

Today (January 8) marks the beginning of a campaign among the 71 new tsunami congregations. We have imported approximately twenty soul-winners to return to the coastal areas for this intensive two-week operation.
They will work alongside the new local converts, many of whom desire to be gospel preachers, teaching the soul-saving message of Jesus Christ and strengthening these new churches. I will join the brethren for the last ten days of this campaign.
The energy of the gospel flows through our veins (II Cor. 4:7) and we can hardly sleep for the excitement of knowing that thousands who have never heard the gospel will hear. Today, there are many men, ladies, widows, mothers and fathers who are going about their daily routines, living in darkness (Eph. 2:2), not realizing that within the next few days they will make the most crucial decision of their lives and be baptized into our eternal kingdom.
You can help! These evangelists will make great sacrifices. They will be away from their families. They will work long days. Some will be persecuted and physically threatened. As in past campaigns, they always run the risk of being beaten. If you have encouraging words that I can share with your Indian brethren, please send them by e-mail. Thank them for their love for the Lord's church. Thank them for their zeal and sacrifices. They will be thrilled to know you are praying for them, "holding up their hands."
When opportunity affords I will send updates on the progress of this great work.

Don Iverson
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net,
that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind”
(Matthew 13:47)

Deva Anbu Illam Update

2006-11-05T09:57:00.000-05:00

On our latest trip, Cathy and I focused most of our time on the children’s home. Cathy taught English and prepared for the new library. I worked on Bible training and vocational. For educational purposes, we purchased a television at DAI. After finding the movie “Dinosaurs,” the children were all invited to “cinema night” on the roof of our apartment. It was a highlight of our lives to watch eighty-one children watching, what was for many, the first movie of their lives. Each had to memorize and quote John 14:1-3 to get a ticket to attend. Pictured to the right, Cathy, Mark, and Stan set up the television. The children who are seated have completed their memory work and are waiting anxiously. God is Great!

Four Widows Needing Help

2006-11-04T20:48:00.000-05:00

Pictured to the left, Cathy stands beside a widowed sister in Christ. The grass house behind her is all she has. On this particular evening we visited four widows. Their situations are much the same. They sleep on a grass mat on a dirt floor. In the floor, in the corner of the dark hut, sets a battered cooking pot above black ashes. With so many widows in India it would be impossible to care for them indefinitely. But in the goat program, they can make their own living for the rest of their lives. In this program we purchase five goats at $30 each ($150). We also supply $10 per month for eighteen months ($180) to furnish food until the goats can reproduce offspring and milk. At that time the widow will be financially independent. The total cost for each widow is $330, and we have four for which we need to care.

Polarai Church of Christ

2006-11-04T20:44:00.000-05:00

I called in advance to arrange an afternoon meeting with Ariveligan. We needed to check on some widowed sisters.

Passing through Dharapurham (about thirty minutes away) I remembered how these meetings often go. I asked Stan to phone and ask Ariveligan to meet me in the village. If we met him at the church building, the entire church would be waiting, and we did not have much time. Sure enough, when we called back, all of the brethren were gathered, but Ariveligan understood and agreed to meet me by the road side.

Passing through the village I searched to spot Ariveligan. Suddenly I saw a large group of people, and could not believe my eyes. The whole congregation had walked to the main road, about ½ mile, and were gathered and waiting. Cathy and I were very thankful to see them all. We rejoiced together as we discussed all of the new works in which they are engaged.

Singathurai Church of Christ

2006-11-04T20:20:00.000-05:00

The sun was about to set as I walked along the shore of the Bay of Bengal. Within minutes I was surrounded by brethren. Just off of the shore, fishermen were bringing in their harvest. Some men waded out into the water to collect the fish in baskets. One brother dove into the water, swimming out to sea. Another brother explained that the swimmer was going out to one of the seaweed rafts to retrieve a sample. Within minutes, the wet proud seaweed grower stood before me exhibiting his product. The waters are producing seaweed at a rate thirty percent above projections. But enthusiastic growth predictions are not making the program move faster. If you are remotely familiar with Asia you can understand why things are moving so slowly.

After praying together on the shore, the brothers wanted me to see their new church building (pictured above). Six months ago, this new congregation asked if we would help them build this. I explained, as kindly as possible, that we do not build buildings and that they would have to build their own facility. They just smiled and gave a nod of agreement. These fishermen are generous and determined. Complete with a concrete floor; I don’t know who was more proud of this building, the Indian brothers or me. Singathurai saw some of the first converts after the tsunami relief program started. This is also the congregation where twenty-five of our new brothers were withdrawn from by the village because of their baptisms.

Why Support Preacher Training Students in India?

2006-10-14T12:22:00.000-05:00

1. QUALIFIED: Our preacher training students are well qualified. They must have been a Christian for more than two years and come with recommendations from sound brethren.

2. "EVANGELISTS": These preachers are being trained to be evangelists, not just preachers (II Timothy 2:2). They know they are taught to teach others.

3. SACRIFICE: They make great sacrifices to be in our program, receiving only a portion of what it takes to support their families. Wives and local brethren help in any way they can.

4. SOUND: The teachers (directors) in our program are sound men who love the truth and are set for the defense of the gospel (Phil. 1:17).

5. SELF SUPPORTED: Our preacher training students do not receive support after they graduate. By teaching them a trade, we help them to become self-supported. After graduation they do not receive support from the United States.

6. EXPERIENCED: Many of these men, even while students, are already preaching. Some preach for one, two, or sometimes three different congregations.

7. STEADFAST: 87% of the men who have been trained over the past twelve years are still faithfully teaching or preaching in the capacity in which they were trained.

8. OVERSIGHT: The Banner Elk elders are acquainted with these men. Don travels to India regularly. He teaches many of their classes and works side by side with them.

9. SUCCESSFUL: The program is working. Twelve years ago there were 72 known congregations in all of the state of Tamil Nadu. Today, there are over 1,500.

10. INDIA: There are one billion (1,100,000,000) souls in India and they are receptive to the gospel. It is a field white unto harvest (John 4:35).

11. DON AND CATHY IVERSON ARE SELF SUPPORTED: Don is a watercolor print artist and successful business man in Banner Elk. All funds sent to the Banner Elk congregation for preacher training students go directly for the student’s support. The church furnishes the Iverson's plane fares and accommodations. Cathy teaches the ladies of India.

12. ACCOUNTABILITY: Funds received in India are audited through three different methods. The elders at Banner Elk are very conscientious about how the funds are used.

13. $50 PER MONTH: Preparing these laborers for the vineyards is extremely economical.

MEET KARTHIK

2006-10-14T11:30:00.000-05:00

Karthik (car-theek) has lived at Deva Anbu Illam for three years. He is extremely loving and thoughtful. He speaks the best English of all of our children, and wants to be a gospel preacher. Though he plays well with other children, Karthik is somewhat a loner. He seems very happy, almost always smiling. But sometimes when I (Don) see a distant isolated look in his eyes I wonder if he is remembering his past.

Because of the loss of his parents, at a very young age this boy was given to his grandparents. They trained him to beg on the streets, as a means of their own support, taking his daily earnings for themselves. They taught him clever English songs to sing for passers-by. Though Karthik will not talk about his past, children like this are often given a quota for daily expectations from their “masters.” If the cut is not met, they are punished, often forced to give up food.

We are thankful to our loving and merciful God who has provided this home for children like Karthik, and eighty of his brothers and sisters!

Why Support Children at Deva Anbu Illam?

2006-10-14T11:16:00.000-05:00

A Home for Children without Parents in South India

1. TO PLEASE GOD: God reserves a special place in scriptures for fatherless children. “A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation” (Psalm 68:5).

2. TO MAINTAIN PURE RELIGION: “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows…” (James 1:27).

3. BECAUSE OF OUR COMPASSION: “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous” (I Peter. 3:8).

4. HEAVEN: Our first goal is to get these children to heaven. Bible classes are priority. Don often tells the staff, “If we bring these children from the streets and we don’t teach them how to get to heaven, we have done them no favors.”

5. PARENTLESS: With only a few exceptions, all children at DAI have lost both parents. These are the neediest.

6. HAPPY CHILDREN: Our children are placed in individual cottages. Each cottage contains five or six children and one faithful house mother. They bond together and love their brothers and sisters in their small unit. They also appreciate and love everyone in the larger program.

7. SOCIAL LEVEL: DAI children are not being Americanized. They sleep, eat, and bathe like the average Indian population. They have three outfits; a uniform for public school, an outfit for play, and clothing for worship services.

8. CHORES: Daily responsibilities are vital to help form proper values. Our children are currently raising 160 chickens in the hen house. They feed, water, and collect eggs. They grow banana trees, as well as corn and other important foods. They clean, paint, and do laundry. Our older boys do evangelism work in the community.

9. VOCATIONAL TRAINING: Our older children are learning trades such as driving, welding, auto mechanics, cooking, and masonry. Our oldest boy, Mark Stanley, has now graduated from the two-year Bible training program at Coimbatore Bible Institute and has secured employment.

10. EVANGELISTS FOR INDIA: All boys at DAI want to be gospel preachers. They lead in morning and evening devotionals. Some of the older boys teach Bible classes. Following their secular education in public schools, they attend an intensive two-year Bible program. India needs sound evangelists and our DAI men will be some of the best.

11. NO ADMINISTRATIVE SALARIES: Don and Cathy Iverson are self-supported. All funds given to support the children go directly for that program. The Iverson’s travel expenses come from a separate general fund.

12. $25 PER MONTH: The cost per child to supply food, clothing, electricity, and a small salary for the house mother is $25 per month. A small monthly contribution goes very far.

CONTACT: India Missions, Banner Elk church of Christ, P.O. Box 1413, Banner Elk, NC 28604 OR CALL: Don Iverson, 828-963-5172, OR E-MAIL: doniverson@juno.com

Welcome

2006-10-12T10:38:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the newly established Tamil News Blog. This site will be used to communicate to our supporters and those interested in this work of The Lord in India. (Other Information Here.)

Our missionary to India is Don Iverson. Don works with the Banner Elk (North Carolina) Church of Christ and makes 3 to 4 trips per year to India. The work there consists of a Preacher's Training School, an Orphan's Home (Deva Anbu Illam), Tsunami Outreach, and other efforts to spread the Word.

Make Donations To:
Banner Elk Church of Christ
ATTN: India Missions
P.O. Box 1413
Banner Elk, NC 28604